Halloween night in Salem

Salem officials closed several roads downtown as locals and tourists alike flocked to the town’s center for a spectacularly spooky Halloween. The all-night event featured fireworks, over-the-top costumes, carnival rides, and music by American Idol finalist and Beverly native Angie Miller. One group dressed as the World Series-winning team in uniform, running through the streets, sparking “Let’s Go Red Sox” chants and doling out high fives to anyone who would take them.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Many celebrating Halloween in Salem made sure their costumes met over-the-top standards. Here, two grisly scarecrows stood so still that many thought they were decorations… until, of course, the tell-tale twitch that would have passers-by gasp in surprise.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Spooky costumes were ubiquitous – and very realistic – Thursday night in Salem. Tommy Ryan, 25, of Mansfield, said it took him days to assemble parts of his costume. The finishing touch? Spattering blood all over himself next to his car after he arrived in Salem. Still, “No other Halloween celebration could be better than this,” he said.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Bone-chilling masks coupled with warm salutations: only in Salem.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

One night after the Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series, many donned baseball-themed getups to show their local pride. Here, an Easton, N.H., woman lets out her “witchy” side in Red Sox gear.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Salem Halloween-goers enjoy rides, concessions and vendors at the carnival on the Common.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Others took a cheekier approach to Boston sports news. Here, Ross DeRoo, 19, of Peabody, posed as former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. “He’s innocent!” DeRoo joked.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Others used their getups to express nostalgia. Sam Magro, 28 of Beverly, mourned the closing of Saugus’ iconic Hilltop Steakhouse with his apparel. “I love all those places on Route 1,” he said. “I grew up on Hilltop.”
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Many families went in on costume ideas together. Here, the Hildebrands – mom Kim and dad Matt with Jon, 10 and Laura, 7 – were all good sports in ZZTop outfits. The inspiration? Dad’s very long – and very real – dark-colored beard, he said.
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Jaclyn Reiss/Boston.com correspondent

Others got creative with their family costumes. Salem dads Matt Smith and Phil Higgins dressed in a King Kong theme, casting their 2-year-old son, Felix, as the title character.
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